The performance version of the Hyundai Kona is finally here. The SUV is the fifth Hyundai to gain a sporty N-badged variant – after the i20, i30, i30 Fastback, and Veloster hatchbacks – and arrives as the firm announces its plan to expand its N and N-Line range to 18 models by the end of 2022.
In international markets, the Kona N is aimed at the closely related Ford Puma ST performance crossover, which previously had no direct rivals. Kona N is the first Hyundai model with high wheels to embrace the sporting philosophy of the N range. The SUV in the N avatar appears more sporty with a whole lot of updates in design, technical and mechanical aspects.
The Hyundai Kona N comes with a slight revisions of the dimensions, being 4.21 meters long, which is 1 cm longer than the standard Kona SUV, 1.8 meters wide and 1.56 meters high, with the wheelbase measuring 2.6. meters. The Hyundai Kona N emphasises performance thanks to the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 290 hp of power and 392 Nm of maximum torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch DCT automatic transmission.
Interior:-
The interior of the Hyundai Kona N is also highlighted by sportiness with wraparound sports seats, embellished with the N logo on the backrest and Performance Blue contrast stitching. There are aluminum pedals, a new N sports steering wheel that integrates two blue buttons for driving settings, and a red NSG button that serves to "squeeze" the engine to the maximum.
Engine:-
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine sends 280hp and 392Nm (figures roughly comparable to those of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport) to the front axle via Hyundai’s 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox – the N DCT.
This gearbox offers three performance modes. The first, N Power Shift, is engaged when accelerator input exceeds 90 percent. It works to mitigate any loss of torque during upshifts to provide a smoother acceleration curve, accompanied by a backfire from the exhaust. Next is the N Grin Shift, which provides a 20sec burst of maximum performance by instantly shifting down to the appropriate gear. Hyundai says this mode (which can only be used every 40sec) will be especially useful on track and will help on the road with merging and overtaking. The final mode, N Track Sense Shift, is geared towards circuit driving, optimizing gear changes based on driver behavior for quick lap times.
In terms of straight-line performance, the 1,510kg Kona N can crack 0-100kph in 5.5sec, when its launch control is engaged, and go on to reach 240kph.
-by Amaan Attar
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